Monthly Archives: October 2011

LA PROVENCE

29 October 2011, 7h33 -
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NASSI : SOME GOOD RACES AGAIN!


This second week on the American soil has been way better than the first one! A little bit more wind, nice racing conditions, once again wonderful landscapes and crazy spots, perfect to climb and secure the second place on the event ranking…

Anyway, i still have a “bitter” taste in my mouth, due to the lack of strong wind conditions, my smaller kite size was indeed a 11 sqm. But that’s a game, we’ve all accepted, we discovered a new spot and next year, i will be more prepared to defy Rob on his territory!

You can discover a bit more the atmosphere of this competition thanks to Damien Leroy, who shot and edited two cool videos (and who took the headline picture of that new by the way!)

I would also like to dedicate that news to our friend and teammate Christophe Prin-Guenon who had to left prematurely the competition on a wrist injury. We wish him the fastest recovery and comeback on water!!!



28 October 2011, 15h29 -
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NASSI : ALREADY A WEEK!

It happened so many things since we arrived on Martha’s Vineyard island, thursday 13th of october! Not less than 7 legs raced, in various wind conditions, on both starboard and port tack, from very light to medium-high wind… For the moment, i could only use my  Bandit 5 14, 12 and 11, not really the sizes i’m used to ride in speed, but we hope to get some stronger winds within the end of the week.


Riding full speed @ Cape Pogue! Photo : Damien Leroy

Rob Douglas, and his brother Jamie, are of course really familiar with their home spot, and they like these light wind condition but that’s the game! For the moment, my ranking is 3rd, 2 points behind Jamie but with the second speed of the comp at a little bit more than 45 knots. Rob is at 1 knots ahead, but he is now far away in front of the ranking, with 7 wins on 7 races…! By the way, the atmosphere on the competition is awesome, in and out of the water, riders are all smiling and everyone is really enjoying every minute of it. The island is beautiful, and full of spots, perfect for speed of course but also for freestyle and waves…It makes you want to come back here for holidays!

We should get some good winds again by the end of the week, with some cooler temperatures, that should be less funny… But with the happiness and smiles from the locals, it should be OK!

As a bonus, the video shot and mount by Damien Leroy of the first days, which should give you a good overview of the quality of the spots here!

25 October 2011, 10h24 -
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LEAVING TODAY FOR THE US : #NASSI SPEED COMPETITION


I’m flying this morning to Boston with the F ONE speed team (Charlotte, Christophe and Manu) where we are invited to the first edition of the NASSI (North American Speed Sailing Invitational), that will take place from the 17th to the 31st of october, on Martha’s Vineyard island.


L'affiche du NASSI... USA vs FRANCE ;)


The goal of the competition is simple : they invite the 12 best speed riders according to the WSSRC ranking (+ 3 wild cards) who will battle on the various spots available on the island to see who’s the fastest of course!

The US and French “drafts” are well represented (6 riders each) so it sounds like it’s gonna turn into a duel USA vs FRANCE, but well…. it’s written anyway on the poster!!!

13 October 2011, 5h39 -
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MALDIVES : SIX SENSES WATER/WO/MEN END


“Slowlife” : it’s the concept of Six Senses Laamu! All theses letters show the involvement of the resort in the Nature support (use of local garden to produce all the veggies, etc…) but also the local community support (schools supports, building of water facilities).


The Water/Wo/Men team : scientists, actors, film directors, journalists, sports men and women...


That’s why an event like that where protection and respect of the Nature is getting all its meaning. Sharing with all actors, we create links between us, exchange a lot to find new ways to help more the water world, and the last day, dedicated to visit the community of Kunahandhoo island, where we could meet the locals, help increase awareness of the Nature which is surrounding them, all of that will be unforgettable moments for sure.

An unforgettable welcome show from Kunahandhoo local community! Photo Marie DN

During this trip, i also had the chance to participate in a photoshoot with French actor José Garcia, for a fashion magazine called Sport & Style. The full article will be shown in the february issue, just before the release of the new opus of “La Vérité si je mens”, a very popular comedy. As you can easily imagine, i’ve spend some memorial times with all the crew, filming and shooting and the result should be sick, even if the wind has been a little too lazy for us!

The Sport & Style "Dream Team", Catherine, José, Christophe, Marcel et Xavier! Photo Marie DN

But every good thing has an end… I have to send a huge thanks to Eva and Son for their welcome, to Vincent who was the inspiration of this first (but not sure last!) Water/Wo/Men, to Eleonore who has been so reactive and understanding during all theses weeks, before and during the event (and always smiling too!) and finally to Kristin and all the guys from +H2O! So let’s meet in 2012 for a new BIG edition of the Six Senses Water/Wo/Men!

8 October 2011, 6h13 -
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